System and method for excavating an aggregate through an access hole

ABSTRACT

A system and method for excavating an aggregate from below or beside a foundation through an access hole is provided. The system includes an air compressor and an air line fluidly coupled to the air compressor. The system further includes a valve disposed in fluid communication on the air line, and an end effector in fluid communication with the air compressor. The end effector extends between a first end coupled to one of the air line or the valve and a second end. The end effector is sized to fit through the access hole. The system further includes a nozzle coupled to the second end of the end effector.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method forexcavating an aggregate from below or beside a foundation through anaccess hole. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a systemand method for removing an aggregate from under or beside a concreteslab through a radon mitigation and/or chemical vapor extraction accesshole.

BACKGROUND

Radon mitigation and/or chemical vapor extraction systems are oftenemployed in residential and commercial buildings for reducing occupantexposure to the dangerous gases or vapors. Of the forementioned, radonis a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which exists in trace amountsin the atmosphere and in the soil, and which can increase the chances oflung cancer to those over exposed. Most radon exposure occurs insidehomes, schools, or and/or workplaces because the gas enters thebuildings through cracks and holes in the foundation and becomestrapped. Chemical vapors underneath a foundation may be present due to aleak, spill, or a natural cause that may require mitigation due tolocal, state, or federal guidelines/requirements. These vapors may betoxic to occupants or wildlife and must be controlled. Some vapors mayalso be inert in nature, but may react with other substances, leading toa potential hazard.

Many buildings include underground radon mitigation systems and/orchemical vapor extraction systems that extend through the building andinto the ground (e.g., through the foundation and into the soil). Theradon mitigation systems and/or chemical vapor extraction systemsinclude a fan that continuously pulls radon or vapors from the soil andexhausts it out of the building to prevent accumulation. The undergroundradon mitigation systems and/or chemical vapor extraction systems areoften installed after the building has been built, and in someinstances, access to below the buildings foundation can be limited(e.g., when the crawl space is small or the building is built directlyon a concrete slab). As such, installing the underground radonmitigation systems and/or chemical vapor extraction systems can becumbersome.

For example, in a typical installation, an access hole approximately 2to 8 inches in diameter may be drilled in the foundation of the buildingto provide access to the soil below. Subsequently, approximately 5 to 50gallons of soil must be removed and/or excavated to create sufficientspace for the radon sump. The removal/excavation of the soil istraditionally difficult due to the small size of the hole through whichto operate, creating a hazard by reaching through the access hole(personal entrapment) and risk of damaging utilities/systems that mayexist beneath the surface (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) frommechanical damage by augers, picks, digging tools, etc.

As such, an improved system and method for the removal/excavation ofsoil through an access hole is desired in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the systems and methods in accordance with thepresent disclosure will be set forth in part in the followingdescription, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the technology.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system for excavating an aggregatefrom below a foundation through an access hole is provided. The systemincludes an air compressor and an air line fluidly coupled to the aircompressor. The system further includes a valve disposed in fluidcommunication on the air line, and an end effector in fluidcommunication with the air compressor. The end effector extends betweena first end coupled to one of the air line or the valve and a secondend. The end effector is sized to fit through the access hole. Thesystem further includes a nozzle coupled to the second end of the endeffector.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of excavating anaggregate from below or beside a foundation through an access hole isprovided. The method includes inserting an end effector through theaccess hole towards the aggregate. The method further includes supplyinga flow of compressed air from the air compressor to the end effector atleast partially with an air line fluidly coupled to the air compressor.The method further includes actuating a valve from a closed position toan open position to provide the flow of compressed air to the endeffector. The valve disposed in fluid communication on the air line. Themethod further includes expelling the flow of compressed air from anozzle coupled to the end effector to loosen the aggregate.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present systemsand methods will become better understood with reference to thefollowing description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings,which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present systems and methods,including the best mode of making and using the present systems andmethods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth inthe specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for excavating an aggregate frombelow a foundation through an access hole in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an end effector in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a sealing plate in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a nozzle in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a nozzle in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a nozzle in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 6from along the line 7-7 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a nozzle in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 8from along the line 9-9 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a nozzle in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in FIG.10 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart of a method for excavating an aggregatefrom below a foundation through an access hole in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the presentsystems and methods, one or more examples of which are illustrated inthe drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, ratherthan limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be madein the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or describedas part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield astill further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presentdisclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to referto features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in thedrawings and description have been used to refer to like or similarparts of the invention. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and“third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component fromanother and are not intended to signify location or importance of theindividual components.

The term “fluid” may be a gas or a liquid. The term “fluidcommunication” means that a fluid is capable of making the connectionbetween the areas specified.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” (or “forward”) and “downstream” (or“aft”) refer to the relative direction with respect to fluid flow in afluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction fromwhich the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to whichthe fluid flows. However, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” as usedherein may also refer to a flow of electricity. The term “radially”refers to the relative direction that is substantially perpendicular toan axial centerline of a particular component, the term “axially” refersto the relative direction that is substantially parallel and/orcoaxially aligned to an axial centerline of a particular component andthe term “circumferentially” refers to the relative direction thatextends around the axial centerline of a particular component.

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,”and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise valuespecified. In at least some instances, the approximating language maycorrespond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, orthe precision of the methods or machines for constructing ormanufacturing the components and/or systems. In at least some instances,the approximating language may correspond to the precision of aninstrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods ormachines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/orsystems. For example, the approximating language may refer to beingwithin a 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 percent margin in either individualvalues, range(s) of values and/or endpoints defining range(s) of values.When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms includewithin ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction.For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degreesof vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations arecombined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include allthe sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicatesotherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of theendpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with eachother.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 forexcavating an aggregate 112 from below a foundation 116 through anaccess hole 114. For example, in exemplary implementations, the system100 may be used for removing soil or other compacted aggregate 112 frombeneath or beside the foundation 116 of a building (e.g., commercial orresidential) through an access hole 114. As used herein, the term“foundation” may include but is not limited to a slab (e.g., concrete)upon which a building rests (which may or may not include one or morefooters underneath the slab), asphalt driveways or parking lots, woodenfloors, or any other solid material resting on the aggregate/ground.However, vapor extraction systems may not always be near or beneath abuilding. For example, a vapor extraction system may be installed in anasphalt parking lot or in a grass/turf field where a chemical wasspilled. As such, the system 100 may be used for excavating an aggregatein a variety of scenarios. Additionally, as used herein, the term“access hole” may include but is not limited to an opening definedthrough the foundation (such as a round, square, slot, narrow cut, orany other shaped opening). Particularly, the system 100 may be used forclearing a cavity 150 in the ground beneath or beside a buildingsfoundation 116 when the only means of accessing the ground is throughthe access hole 114 (e.g., the building rests on a concrete slab incontact with the ground or the crawlspace under or beside the foundation116 is too small to access otherwise). With reference to vaporextraction in an open field, a 1 to 3 foot hole may be drilled throughthe dirt/turf before excavating a cavity therebelow.

Use of the system 100 described herein advantageously reduces hazards ofreaching through the access hole 114 (personal entrapment) and risk ofdamaging utilities/systems that may exist beneath the surface (plumbing,electrical, HVAC, etc.) from mechanical damage by augers, picks, diggingtools, etc.

As used herein, the term “aggregate” may include any compacted mass offragments or particles, such as but not limited to soil, sand, clay,rock fragments, or other suitable ground material. Particularly, theterm “aggregate” may refer to the soil found beneath or beside theconcrete slab or foundation 116 of a building (such as a residential orcommercial building).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 may include an air compressor 102.For example, in various embodiments, the air compressor 102 may be anysuitable air compressor capable of pressurizing (or compressing) andstoring air to be used with one or more components of the system 100. Inparticular embodiments, the air compressor 102 may include a compressor104 for pressurizing air from the atmosphere (such as a rotary screwcompressor, a single stage piston compressor, a dual stage pistoncompressor, or other suitable compressor). The compressor 104 may befluidly coupled to a storage tank 106, such that compressed air exitingthe compressor 104 may be stored or housed within the storage tank 106for use in the system 100. In exemplary embodiments, the air compressor102 may be a portable compressor, such that it is sized and configuredto be moved by a single user (e.g., lighter than about 100 lbs.). Insuch embodiments, the air compressor 102 may include one or more wheels108 in order to easily transport the air compressor 102. In manybuildings, the radon mitigation access hole 114 is often placed in acorner or otherwise hard to reach area, and therefore the portablecompressor 102 may be advantageous due to its compact size.

In many embodiments, an air line 110 may be fluidly coupled to the aircompressor 102. The air line 110 may be a flexible hose or tube thattransports compressed air from the air compressor 102 to the endeffector 124 without dropping the pressure of the air. For example, theair line 110 may fluidly couple the air compressor 102 to the endeffector 124. In some embodiments, the air line 110 may extend from theair compressor 102 to the end effector 124, and a valve 118 may bedisposed in fluid communication on the air line 110 between the aircompressor 102 and the end effector 124. In particular embodiments, theair line 110 may extend directly from the air compressor 102 to thevalve 118, and the valve 118 may couple directly fluidly couple to theend effector 124. As used herein, the term “line” may refer to a hose,piping, or tube that is used for carrying fluid(s).

In exemplary embodiments, the valve 118 may be disposed in fluidcommunication on the air line 110. The valve 118 may be selectivelyactuated (e.g., mechanically via a lever 122 and/or remotely via acontroller) between an open position and a closed position. For example,the valve 118 may be selectively opened to allow for a flow ofcompressed air from the air compressor 102 to the end effector 124. Bycontrast, when the valve 118 is in a closed position, the flow ofcompressed air from the air compressor 102 is restricted or otherwiseprevented. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the valve 118 mayinclude a handle 120 and a lever 122. In such embodiments, an operatoror user may control the direction and orientation of the end effector124 and nozzle 130 by gripping the handle 120, and the lever 122 may beselectively actuated to switch the valve 118 between the closed positionand the open position. In many embodiments, the end effector 124 mayrotate independently relative to the handle 120. For example, a rotationdevice (e.g., a rotating coupling, two way nozzle, etc.) may beinstalled between the handle 120 and the end effector 124, therebyallowing the end effector 124 to rotate 360° relative to the handle 120.

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 may further include an endeffector 124 in fluid communication with the air compressor 102. The endeffector 124 may be a hook shaped or partially curved pipe that providesa flow of compressed air from the air line 110 to the nozzle 130. Insome embodiments, the end effector 124 may be a rigid pipe (e.g., formedof metal or plastic material), such that it does not generally bend orflex when under pressure or applied force (e.g., less than 50 lbf).Alternatively, in other embodiments, the end effector 124 may bepartially compliant, such that it maintains its shape when not exposedto any applied forces but may partially bend or flex (e.g., elasticallydeform) when exposed to an external force (e.g., an applied force lessthan 50 lbf). In yet still further embodiments, the end effector 124 maybe non-rigid, such as a rubber hose or tube that freely bends or flexeswhen exposed to an ambient environment or the force of gravity alone.

In many embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1 , the end effector 124 mayextend between a first end 126 coupled to one of the air line 110 or thevalve 118 and a second end 128. In particular embodiments, the first end126 of the end effector 124 is directly fluidly couple to the valve 118.In other embodiments (not shown), the end effector 124 may couple to aterminal end of the air line 110, and the valve 118 may be positioned influid communication on the air line 110 between the air compressor 102and the end effector 124. In some embodiments, the first end 126 of theend effector 124 may be fixedly coupled to the valve 118 (e.g., via aweld joint or a braze joint). In other embodiments, the first end 126 ofthe end effector 124 may be removably coupled to the valve 118 via athreaded connection.

In exemplary embodiments, a nozzle 130 may be coupled to the second end128 of the end effector 124. For example, in some embodiments, nozzle130 may be fixedly coupled to the second end 128 of the end effector 124(e.g., via a weld joint or a braze joint). In other embodiments, thenozzle 130 may be removably coupled to the second end 128 of the endeffector 124 (e.g., via a threaded connection). The nozzle 130 may beconfigured to expel the flow of compressed air from the air compressor102 to loosen the aggregate 112. For example, the nozzle 130 may expelthe compressed air with sufficient velocity and pressure to break up orloosen the compacted aggregate 112. As should be appreciated, theaggregate 112 (or soil) beneath the foundation 116 of a building iscompacted for strength (e.g., the soil particles are pressed togethersuch that there is little to no gaps therebetween). As such, the nozzle130 shown and described herein advantageously expels and directscompressed air with sufficient velocity and pressure to loosen theaggregate 112 so it can be easily removed (e.g., via a vacuum 152 orother means).

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 may further include a vacuum152 for removing or collecting loosened aggregate 112 from the cavity150. In various embodiments, the vacuum 152 may be any suitablevacuum-generating device capable of collecting soil or otherground-based compounds from the cavity 150. In particular embodiments,the vacuum 152 may include a collection tank 154 and a hose 156. Thehose 156 may be in communication with the collection tank 154. Inexemplary implementations, the collection tank 154 may be disposed abovethe foundation 116, and the hose 156 may be inserted into the cavity 150through the access hole 114 in order to suction, collect, or otherwiseremove loosened aggregate 112 (e.g., soil) contained therein.

In many embodiments, the system 100 may further include a sealing plate300. The sealing plate 300 may be sized and shaped to extend across andcover the access hole 114 to prevent (or block) aggregate 112 fromflying out of the access hole 114 (e.g., towards the operator of the endeffector 124). Additionally, the sealing plate 300 may be sized andshaped to correspond with the size and shape of the access hole 114. Forexample, the sealing plate 300 may be rectangular, square, circular, orany other suitable shape. In exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 ,the sealing plate 300 may be in sealing contact with the foundation 116(or other surface on which it is being utilized), in order to preventaggregate 112 from exiting the access hole 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged side view of the end effector 124 coupledto the nozzle 130, in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the end effector 124 may include a straightportion 158, with or without a curved portion 160. For example, in someembodiments, the end effector 124 may be entirely straight. In otherembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the end effector may include a curvedportion 160. Particularly, the straight portion 158 may extend from thefirst end 126 to the curved portion 160, and the curved portion 160 mayextend from the straight portion 158 to the second end 128.Particularly, the straight portion 158 may extend generally linearlyfrom the first end 126 coupled to the air line 110 to the curved portion160 of the end effector 124. The straight portion 158 may define alength 162 of between about 8 inches and about 48 inches, or such asbetween about 10 inches and about 40 inches, or such as between about 15inches and about 35 inches. The length 162 of the straight portion 158may advantageously provide additional leverage (e.g., for theoperator/user) to allow the end effector 124 to variably extend throughthe access hole 114 and into the cavity 150. In some embodiments, theend effector 124 may be length adjustable. For example, the straightportion 158 may include one or more telescoping tubes or pipes that canextend to adjust the length 162 of the end effector 124.

In many embodiments, the curved portion 160 of the end effector 124 mayextend along an arc, circular, or otherwise curvilinear path. Forexample, in many embodiments, the curved portion 160 may extend up toabout 180° along a circular or curved path 165, such that the endeffector 124 may expel compressed air in a direction parallel to thestraight portion 158 of the end effector 124. The curved portion 160 ofthe end effector 124 may terminate at the second end 128, and the nozzle130 may extend therefrom. In this way, the nozzle 130 may extend fromthe second end 128 of the end effector 124 generally parallel to thestraight portion 158 of the end effector 124. Although the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the curved portion 160 of the endeffector 124 extending 180° along a circular (or curved) path 165, thecurved portion 160 of the end effector 124 may extend about 30°, 60°,90°, 120°, 150°, or over 180° (e.g., relative to the straight portion158) along the circular (or curved) path 165 in other embodiments.

In exemplary implementations, the curved portion 160 of the end effector124 may allow the end effector 124 to reach and direct compressed airtowards otherwise hard to reach locations within the cavity 150 throughthe access hole 114. For example, the curved portion 160 allows the endeffector 124 to direct a flow of compressed air towards the interiorsurface of the foundation 116. In exemplary embodiments, the curvedportion 160 extends at least partially along (or entirely along in someembodiments) a circular path 165 having a radius of between about 1 inchand about 8 inches, or such as between about 2 inches and about 7inches, or such as between about 3 inches and about 6 inches.Additionally, both the curved portion 160 and the nozzle 130 may includea length adjusting means, such as a telescoping tube or pipe assemblythat can extend to adjust length.

In exemplary embodiments, the end effector 124 may be sized to fitthrough the access hole 114. For example, in varying embodiments, theend effector 124 may define a width 163 between the second end 128 andthe straight portion 158. The width 163 may be smaller than the diameterof the access hole 114 in order to be inserted therethrough duringoperation. For example, in various implementations, the width 163 of theend effector 124 may be between about 2 inches and about 16 inches, orsuch as between about 4 inches and about 14 inches, or such as betweenabout 6 inches and about 12 inches. As discussed above, in exemplaryimplementations of the present system 100, the access hole 114 may be aradon mitigation and/or chemical vapor extraction access hole 114defined through the foundation 116 of a building. In suchimplementations, the access hole 114 may be between about 1 inch andabout 20 inches, or such as between about 1 inch and about 10 inches, orsuch as between about 3 inches and about 8 inches, or such as betweenabout 4 inches and about 7 inches.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the sealing plate 300, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, thesealing plate 300 may include a frame 302 and a plate 304 extendingacross the frame 302. The sealing plate 300 may be rigid, and may becomposed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to plastic,metal, wood, or other suitable rigid materials. The plate 304 of thesealing plate may define an effector hole 306, through which the endeffector 124 may extend during operation of the system 100.Additionally, the plate 304 may further define a vacuum hole 308 havinga hose connection cylinder 310 positioned thereabout. In manyimplementations, the hose 156 of the vacuum 152 may extend through thevacuum hole 308 to collect loosened aggregate 112. However, in exemplaryimplementations, the hose connection cylinder 310 may be inserted intothe hose 156.

FIGS. 4 through 6, 8, and 10 each illustrates a side view of a differentembodiment of a nozzle 130, each in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. As should be appreciated, features illustrated ordescribed as part of one embodiment of the nozzle 130 can be used withanother embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it isintended that the present disclosure covers such modifications andvariations as come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, 8, and 10 , the nozzle 130 may havea variety of external shapes, which may make the nozzle 130 advantageousin certain operational scenarios.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4 , the nozzle 130 may extendgenerally axially from a first end 436 to a second end 434. The nozzle130 may define an internal passage that extends from an inlet 440defined at the first end 436 to an outlet 438 defined at the second end434. As shown in FIG. 4 , the nozzle 130 may include main body portion442, a tapered portion 444, and a winged end portion 446. The main bodyportion 442 may have a generally round or polygonal cross-sectionalshape and may extend from the first end 436 to the tapered portion 444.The tapered portion 444 may gradually reduce in thickness as the taperedportion 444 extends from the main body portion 442 to the winged endportion 446. The winged end portion 446 may extend from the taperedportion 442 to the second end 434. For example, the winged end portion446 may partially define a recess 448, and the outlet 438 may be definedin the recess 448.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the nozzle 130.As shown, the nozzle 130 may extend generally axially from a first end536 to a second end 534. The nozzle 130 may define an internal passagethat extends from an inlet 540 defined at the first end 536 to an outlet538 defined at the second end 534. As shown in FIG. 5 , the nozzle 130may include a main body portion 542 and a conical (or frustoconical)portion 544. The main body portion 542 may have a generally round orpolygonal cross-sectional shape and may extend from the first end 536 tothe conical portion 544. The conical portion 544 may gradually reduce indiameter as it extends from the main body portion 542 to the second end534.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the nozzle 130. As shown, thenozzle 130 may have a generally cylindrical exterior shape. In suchembodiments, the first end 134 (e.g., the outlet end of the nozzle 130)may be a flat or planar end 164. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectionalview of the nozzle 130 shown in FIG. 6 from along the line 4-4, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The nozzle 130may define a cylindrical coordinate system having an axial direction Aextending along the axial centerline 132, a radial direction Rperpendicular to the axial centerline 132, and a circumferentialdirection C extending around the axial centerline 132.

As shown in FIG. 7 the nozzle 130 may define in internal passage 135 influid communication with the end effector 124. For example, the internalpassage 135 may extend along the axial centerline 132 from an outlet 138defined at the first end 134 of the nozzle 130 to an inlet 140 definedat the second end 136 of the nozzle 130. The inlet 140 may receivecompressed air from the end effector 124 and the outlet 138 may expelthe air to the environment (e.g., towards a compacted soil or aggregate112).

The nozzle 130 described herein advantageously expels compressed airwith an adequate differential pressure to produce a fluid stream ofadequate velocity to loosen or breakup compacted soil below thefoundation 116 of a building. For example, in many embodiments, thenozzle 130 may expel a flow of compressed air at a dynamic pressure ofbetween about 80 psia and about 180 psi. In some embodiments, the nozzle130 may expel the flow of compressed air at a dynamic pressure ofbetween about 100 psia and about 140 psia. in particular embodiments,the nozzle 130 may expel the flow of compressed air at a dynamicpressure of between about 110 psia and about 130 psia.

In exemplary embodiments, the internal passage 135 of the nozzle 130 mayinclude an outlet portion 142 and an inlet portion 144. For example, theoutlet portion 142 may extend (e.g., axially extend) from the outlet 138to the inlet portion 144, and the inlet portion 144 may extend (e.g.,axially extend) from the outlet portion 142 to the inlet 140. As shownin FIG. 4 , the axial length of the outlet portion 142 of the internalpassage 135 may be longer than the axial length of the inlet portion144, which may advantageously allow the velocity profile of compressedair to fully develop before being expelled from the outlet 138. In manyembodiments, the outlet portion 142 may have a uniform diameter 143along its length sized to fully develop the velocity profile of thecompressed air prior to expelling the compressed air from the outlet138. For example, in some embodiments, the outlet portion 142 may definea ratio of length (e.g., axial length) to diameter 143 of between about2:1 and about 5:1. In other embodiments, the outlet portion 142 maydefine a ratio of length (e.g., axial length) to diameter 143 of betweenabout 3:1 and about 4:1.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the inlet portion 144 may extend from the inlet 140and converge radially inwardly in a downstream direction. For example,the inlet portion 144 may radially converge (e.g., towards the axialcenterline 132) as it extends from the inlet 140 to the outlet portion142. The inlet portion 144 advantageously increases velocity andpressure of the compressed air prior to entrance into the outlet portion142. In exemplary embodiments, the inlet portion 144 may include athreaded segment 146 and a tapered segment 148. In many embodiments, thenozzle 130 may threadably couple to the end effector 124 via thethreaded segment 146 of the inlet portion 144 (e.g., via correspondingthreads on the exterior of the end effector 124). Alternatively, thenozzle 130 may be coupled to the end effector 124 via other means, suchas welding or brazing. In many embodiments, the threaded segment 146 mayextend from the inlet 140 to the tapered segment 148, and the taperedsegment 148 may extend from the threaded segment 146 to the outletportion 142. Both the threaded segment 146 and the tapered segment 148may extend axially and radially with respect to the axial centerline 132of the nozzle 130. Particularly, the threaded segment 146 and thetapered segment 148 define different slopes. For example, the threadedsegment 146 may extend a shorter radial distance, and a greater axialdistance, than the tapered segment 148. Likewise, the tapered segment148 may extend a longer radial distance, and a shorter axial distance,than the threaded segment 146. In this way, the threaded segment 146 maydefine a first slope (e.g., radial distance over axial distance), andthe tapered segment 148 may define a second slope (e.g., radial distanceover axial distance). The first slope may be smaller than the secondslope. In exemplary embodiments, the tapered segment 148 may define anangle between the axial centerline of between about 50° and about 130°.In this way, the tapered segment 148 may advantageously increase thevelocity of the compressed air prior to entrance into the outlet portion142 without causing a significant increase in component stressexperienced by the nozzle 130.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the nozzle 130, and FIG. 9illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 130 shown in FIG. 8from along the line 9-9, in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the nozzle 130 may include a main body 802 thatextends generally axially from a first end 836 to a second end 834. Thenozzle 130 may define an internal passage 835 that extends from an inlet840 defined at the first end 836 to one or more outlets 838 defined inthe main body 802. As shown, the nozzle 130 may have a generallycylindrical exterior shape. In such embodiments, the first end 134 maybe a solid end wall 804, such that no pressurized air may permeate orpass therethrough.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of the nozzle 130, and FIG.11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 130 shown in FIG. 10in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, thenozzle 130 may extend generally axially from a first end 1036 to asecond end 1034. the nozzle 130 may define an internal passage 1035 thatextends from an inlet 1040 defined at the first end 1036 to an outlet1038 defined at the second end 1034. As shown in FIG. 10 , the nozzle130 may include a main body portion 1042 and a conical (orfrustoconical) portion 1044. The main body portion 1042 may have agenerally round or polygonal cross-sectional shape and may extend fromthe first end 1036 to the conical portion 1044. The conical portion 1044may gradually reduce in diameter as it extends from the main bodyportion 1042 to the second end 1034. As shown in FIG. 11 , the internalpassage 1035 may include an inlet portion 1002 and an outlet portion1006. The inlet portion 1002 may extend along an axial centerline 1004of the nozzle 130 from the inlet 1040 to the outlet portion 1006. Theoutlet portion 1006 may extend from the inlet portion 1002 at an anglewith respect to the axial centerline 1004 to the outlet 1038, such thatthe outlet portion 1006 is sloped or slanted with respect to the axialcenterline 1004. Referring now to FIG. 12 , a flow diagram of oneembodiment of a method 1200 of excavating an aggregate 112 from below orbeside a foundation 116 through an access hole 114 is illustrated inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, themethod 1200 will be described herein with reference to the system 100described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 in the context ofcreating a cavity 150 below the foundation 116 of a building through aradon mitigation system access hole 114. However, it will be appreciatedby those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 1200 maygenerally be utilized for clearing, removing, or excavating compactedaggregate 112 (e.g., soil) from behind or beneath a foundation 116through an access hole 114. In addition, although FIG. 12 depicts stepsperformed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to anyparticular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using thedisclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of themethods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/oradapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 1200 may include a step 1202 ofinserting an end effector 124 through the access hole 114 towards theaggregate 112. For example, as described above, the end effector 124 maybe sized to fit lengthwise through an access hole 114 (such as a radonmitigation access hole drilled in the foundation 116 of a building).Particularly, the curved portion 160 of the end effector 124 may beinserted into the access hole 114. Depending on the depth of the cavity150 desired beneath the foundation 116, the straight portion 158 of theend effector 124 may also be inserted through the access hole 114 up toits entire length 162.

In many embodiments, the method may further include a step 1204 ofsupplying a flow of compressed air from the air compressor 102 to theend effector 124 at least partially with an air line 110 fluidly coupledto the air compressor 102. In particular embodiments, the compressed airmay be supplied continuously to the end effector 124 once the valve 118is set to an open position (e.g., by pushing the lever 122). Forexample, the compressed air may be supplied to the end effector 124 at adynamic pressure of between about 80 psia and about 180 psia. In someembodiments, the compressed air may be supplied to the end effector 124at a dynamic pressure of between about 100 psia and about 140 psia. Inparticular embodiments, the compressed air may be supplied to the endeffector 124 at a dynamic pressure of between about 110 psia and about130 psia.

The method 1200 may further include a step 1206 of actuating a valve 118from a closed position to an open position to provide the flow ofcompressed air to the end effector 124. The valve 118 may be disposed influid communication on the air line 110. For example, the valve 118 maybe selectively actuated (e.g., mechanically via a lever and/or remotelyvia a controller) between an open position and a closed position. Forexample, the valve 118 may be selectively opened to allow for a flow ofcompressed air from the air compressor 102 to the end effector 124. Bycontrast, when the valve 118 is in a closed position, the flow ofcompressed air from the air compressor 102 is restricted or otherwiseprevented.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 1200 may further include a step1208 of expelling the flow of compressed air from a nozzle 130 coupledto the end effector 124 to loosen the aggregate 112. For example, theoutlet 138 of the nozzle 130 may be directed at compacted aggregate 112(such as soil) beneath the foundation 116 (e.g., through the access hole114), and the compressed air may be subsequently expelled or ejectedfrom the nozzle 130 towards the compacted aggregate 112 to break up orloosen the aggregate 112. As should be appreciated, the aggregate 112(or soil) beneath the foundation 116 of a building is compacted forstrength (e.g., the soil particles are pressed together such that thereis little to no gaps therebetween). As such, the nozzle 130 shown anddescribed herein advantageously expels and directs compressed air withsufficient velocity and pressure to loosen the aggregate 112 so it canbe easily removed (e.g., via a vacuum 152 or other means). Additionally,the end effector 124 may include a curved portion 160, and the nozzle130 may be coupled to the terminal end of the curved portion 160. Inthis way, the nozzle 130 may advantageously be directed at an interiorsurface of the foundation 116 to loosen aggregate 112 in the proximatearea.

In some embodiments, the method 1200 may further include a step ofcollecting the loosened aggregate 112 with a vacuum 152. For example,the vacuum 152 may include a hose 156 that may be inserted through theaccess hole 114 in order to remove or collect aggregate 112 that hasbeen loosened by the compressed air exiting the nozzle 130. In exemplaryembodiments, the step 1208 of expelling the flow of compressed air fromthe nozzle 130 to loosen the aggregate 112 and the step of collectingthe aggregate 112 with the vacuum 152 may occur simultaneously. In thisway, the nozzle 130 and the vacuum 152 may operate simultaneously orindependently to clear or increase the size of the cavity 150 asdesired.

In many embodiments, the method may further include a step of creating(and/or increasing the size of) a cavity 150 below the foundation 116 byloosening aggregate 112 with the nozzle 130 and collecting the loosenedaggregate 112 with the vacuum 152. In some embodiments, the aggregate112 may be first loosened by the nozzle 130, and the vacuum 152 maysubsequently remove the loosened aggregate 112. In other embodiments,the nozzle 130 and the vacuum 152 may operate simultaneously inconjunction with one another. In various embodiments, the creating acavity 150 step may be performed until the cavity 150 below thefoundation 116 is between about 1 cubic foot and about 8 cubic feet, orsuch as between about 2 cubic feet and about 7 cubic feet, or such asbetween about 3 cubic feet and about 6 cubic feet.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for excavating an aggregate from below afoundation through an access hole, the system comprising: an aircompressor; an air line fluidly coupled to the air compressor; a valvedisposed in fluid communication on the air line; an end effector influid communication with the air compressor, the end effector extendingbetween a first end coupled to one of the air line or the valve and asecond end, the end effector being sized to fit through the access hole;and a nozzle coupled to the second end of the end effector, wherein thenozzle is configured to expel a flow of compressed air from the aircompressor to loosen the aggregate.
 2. The system as in claim 1, whereinthe nozzle defines an internal passage extending between an inlet and anoutlet, the internal passage including an outlet portion having auniform diameter and an inlet portion, wherein the outlet portionextends from the outlet to the inlet portion, and wherein the inletportion extends from the outlet portion to the inlet.
 3. The system asin claim 2, wherein the outlet portion defines a ratio of length todiameter of between about 2:1 and about 5:1.
 4. The system as in claim1, wherein the inlet portion converges radially inwardly in a downstreamdirection.
 5. The system as in claim 1, wherein the inlet portionincludes a threaded segment extending from the inlet and aa taperedsegment extending between the threaded segment and the outlet portion.6. The system as in claim 1, wherein the end effector includes astraight portion and a curved portion, wherein the straight portionextends from the first end to the curved portion, and wherein the curvedportion extends from the straight portion to the second end.
 7. Thesystem as in claim 6, wherein the curved portion extends at leastpartially along a circular path having a radius of between about 1 inchand about 8 inches.
 8. The system as in claim 1, wherein the first endof the end effector is directly fluidly coupled to the valve.
 9. Thesystem as in claim 1, wherein the air compressor is a portable aircompressor.
 10. A method of excavating an aggregate from below afoundation through an access hole, the method comprising: inserting anend effector through the access hole towards the aggregate; supplying aflow of compressed air from an air compressor to the end effector atleast partially with an air line fluidly coupled to the air compressor;actuating a valve from a closed position to an open position to providethe flow of compressed air to the end effector, the valve disposed influid communication on the air line; and expelling the flow ofcompressed air from a nozzle coupled to the end effector to loosen theaggregate.
 11. The method as in claim 10, further comprising collectingthe loosened aggregate with a vacuum.
 12. The method as in claim 11,wherein expelling the flow of compressed air from the nozzle to loosenthe aggregate and collecting the aggregate with the vacuum occurssimultaneously.
 13. The method as in claim 11, further comprisingcreating a cavity below the foundation by loosening aggregate with thenozzle and collecting the loosened aggregate with the vacuum.
 14. Themethod as in claim 10, wherein the nozzle defines an internal passageextending between an inlet and an outlet, the internal passage includingan outlet portion having a uniform diameter and an inlet portion,wherein the outlet portion extends from the outlet to the inlet portion,and wherein the inlet portion extends from the outlet portion to theinlet.
 15. The method as in claim 14, wherein the outlet portion definesa ratio of length to diameter of between about 2:1 and about 5:1. 16.The method as in claim 10, wherein the inlet portion diverges radiallyoutwardly in a downstream direction.
 17. The method as in claim 10,wherein the inlet portion includes a threaded segment extending from theinlet and a tapered segment extending between the threaded segment andthe outlet portion.
 18. The method as in claim 11, wherein the endeffector includes a straight portion and a curved portion, and whereinthe curved portion extends from the straight portion to the nozzle. 19.The method as in claim 18, wherein the curved portion extends at leastpartially along a circular path having a radius of between about 1 inchand about 8 inches.